Joseph was born July 3, 1926, in Gorham, one of nine children born to J. Ovide and Amanda (Bernier) Guimond. He attended schools in Gorham. He enlisted into the U.S. Army during World War II and fought in the European conflict in France and Germany, where he served with distinction and received many commendations, including earning the Bronze Star.
Following his years in the service, he married Theresa L. Morin of Biddeford on July 19, 1947. They raised five children and settled into their home in Lyman.
Joseph worked many jobs, which included working at Wirthmore Feeds, the Tannery in Waterboro and as a truck driver for many years for Mayflower Moving Co., P&S Trucking Co., Paul J. Adams Trucking and Red Star Express Lines.
Joseph was also a Master Gardener, growing awardwinning heirloom tomatoes in his famous yellow buckets and selling them at his infamous “Moxie” farm stand on Route 111 in Lyman.
He especially loved attending and watching his children compete in the many horse shows throughout the state. Many friendships were made from attending the shows, and he was proud when the kids won their hard-earned trophies and ribbons.
Joseph possessed a good sense of humor, and enjoyed playing cards with friends and neighbors. He was generous and caring toward his family and friends. He had been active within the Am Vets Post 3 in Sanford, the American Legion Post 26 in Biddeford and the Sanford Elks Lodge #1470.
After 25 years of marriage, his first wife, Terry, died in 1972. Once again, he let his heart fall in love, and he married Nancy V. Wellman of Biddeford in 1973. A few years later, he adopted her son, Mark Sawyer. They enjoyed attending country fairs and going out to play bingo. They shared 41 years of marriage until her death in May 2014.
Joseph was preceded in death by: both wives, Theresa and Nancy; his parents; two brothers, Corp. Alfred Guimond and Eugene R. Guimond; four sisters, Marion Letarte, Simone Bernier, Marguerite Riley and Rita Dyer; and a grandson, Michael Casey.
Joseph is survived by: a sister, Lauretta Preyboroski of Smyrna, Georgia; a brother, Gerard (Butch) Guimond and wife Barbara of Gorham; his children, Richard Guimond and wife Linda of Lyman, David Guimond and partner David McMullen of Lyman, Irene Guillemette and husband Michael of Lyman, Ann Marie Carroll and husband Bernard of Limerick, Paulette Howard of Lyman, and Mark Sawyer of Lyman; 15 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may call 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, at Autumn Green Funeral Home, 47 Oak St., Alfred. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 22, at Good Shepherd Parish, St. Joseph Church, 178 Elm St., Biddeford.
Committal prayers and burial will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery, 120 West Road, Biddeford.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: York County Shelter Program, P.O. Box 820, Alfred, ME 04002.
To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.autumngreenfuneralhome.com.
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